The Beauty Blogger Tag

Hey beauties,

I'm so sorry for the lack of posts lately, Christmas is always a busy time for us all!  However with Christmas been and gone, I'm going to kick off a new set of blog posts with this fun beauty TAG.  I saw this over on www.beautiful-solutions.co.uk , its called the ' The Beauty Blogger Tag ' and I thought it would be a great way for us all to get to know each other a little better!

What is your natural hair colour?

My hair is very naturally blonde, darker in the winter and lighter in the summer.  I've never actually dyed my hair, sometimes I think a change would be nice but I just can't face getting rid of my blonde locks just yet!

Do you dye it yourself or go to a salon?

As I said in the previous question, I've never dyed my hair. If I was to dye it though, I'd definitely go to a salon, I'd be so scared of something going wrong if I was to dye it at home!

How often do you wash your hair?

I try and leave the washing to every other day, especially with all the talk about stripping your hairs natural oils and all! Coconut Oil is my hair saviour at the moment, you guys HAVE to try it!

Do you wear the same hairstyle every day or try and change it up?

I like to change up my style, but I always seem to go for messy curls, big waves or a slick pony! Although when I'm at home my hair is always shoved into a big messy bun.

Do you do your own mani/pedi or go to a salon?

Usually I do my own mani and pedi's, with a student budget like mine going to a salon isn't always possible! However for special occasions I do like to treat myself to a fresh set of gel nails.

How long does it take you to do your make-up?

For an everyday make-up look I'd say I take about half an hour to get ready, but getting ready for a special occasion or for a night out is a completely different story! I like to take my time and have to confess I'm a bit of a perfectionist, so it can take me an hour/ hour and a half to finish a more glam make-up look!

Do you collect make-up or just buy what you need?

This is a hard question to answer for me, is both an acceptable answer?! A girl can never have enough make-up right?  I suppose I do collect make-up, but I only ever buy items that I know I'll love and get a good use out of!

How often do you wear false eyelashes?
I only ever wear false eyelashes for a special occasion, I think falsies totally add the finishing touch to any glam look.  Individuals lashes are my new obsession!

Will you leave the house without make-up?
Yes, as much as I love wearing make-up, I think its just as important to embrace your natural beauty.

Do you wear make-up when you're alone/ with family?
Not really, I only really apply make-up if I'm going out.  When I'm at home alone or with family, I like to be make-up free, it gives my skin a chance to breathe.

Do you plan your outfit the night before?
No, but I really should! After doing my hair and make-up, choosing an outfit is the second longest task in my morning routine, I'm so indecisive!

How often do you change your handbag?
I'm not really a handbag lover, so hardly ever.  I have a few everyday bags, then a small collection of clutch bags for special occasions.

Do you speak a foreign language?
No, I wish I could though! I studied Spanish at secondary school and actually received a grade A, I wish I carried on learning!

Do you keep a list of products you want to try from other blogs?
I do have a wish list of products I'd love to try, I'm always reading beauty blogs, scrolling through beauty based Instagram pages and watching beauty guru's on YouTube so my eyes are constantly being opened to exciting new (and old!) products.

How did you come up with your blog name?
I'm not entirely sure how I came up with the name, The Beauty Flash.  I think the idea behind it was the fact I'm almost giving you guys little news flashes about all things beauty & fashion related! I played around with a few different blog names, but this one seemed quite catchy!

What's your favourite colour?
I wouldn't say I have a particular favourite colour, but I love anything with a pastel tone. Baby Pink, Baby Blue, Lilac...there all such dainty and delicate colours, I just love them.


I tag Meg from Little Beauty Book, Nini from Morange and More, Kira from Makeup Monster and all the rest of my Make Up and Hair Design honey's.  In fact, I tag you all! Leave me a comment if you complete the tag, I'd love to read your answers!

Love,

Hayley x

Perfect Winter Lipstick Picks

So December is here, and its officially the time we can all get excited for Christmas!  With the arrival of the Autumn/Winter seasons, comes a multitude of deep, dark and vampy colours and what better way to embrace these than in the form of lipstick.  I think that any red, pink, berry or wine coloured lipsticks add the perfect festive and seasonal touch to your makeup look, so here are my perfect winter lipstick picks!

From L-R: MAC Rebel, Rimmel Kate Moss 107, Bobbi Brown Raspberry Shimmer, MAC Mehr, Nyx Sweet Tart, Stila Beso.

MAC Rebel, £15.50

An all-time winter favourite of mine, of course, has to be MAC Rebel lipstick, is there anyone out there that doesn't love this lipstick?!  I have to say, this lipstick does look terrifyingly purple on first glance, however when applied it's a perfect berry shade for all skin tones.  Rebel comes in a satin finish with a semi-matte formula, however it glides onto your lips effortlessly and keeps your lips so hydrated during these cold winter months, you wouldn't think this lipstick was matte at all! 

Rimmel Kate Moss 107, £5.49

The Rimmel Lasting Finish Matte lipstick in 107 is a deep wine shade with cool undertones, this is a lovely rich red colour for paler complexions.  At £5.49 this is one of the most budget friendly lipsticks from my little winter lipstick collection and the quality is definitely up there with the higher end brands!  The lipstick is incredibly pigmented; you really don’t need more than a swipe to achieve an opaque colour payoff.

Bobbi Brown Lip Color Raspberry Shimmer, £19.50

I was lucky enough to receive this little beauty as a gift after attending a Bobbi Brown Masterclass. Now I'm not usually a fan of lipsticks with a shimmery finish, however this Bobbi Brown lipstick is an exception, it's totally gorgeous!  A bright berry pink with a high-shine finish, this shade has a unique blend of pearls which deliver a luminous, light-reflecting look to the lips.

MAC Mehr, £15.50

I think this might just be my favourite pink lipstick of all time!  A little different from all the other previous shades, Mehr is described as a 'dirty blue pink', although the blue tones are very subtle.  This is just the perfect lighter pink shade for Autumn/ Winter, especially to create that famous Kylie Jenner lip look.  This shade comes in a matte finish but with a soft and creamy texture, you have to try this!

Nyx Butter Lipstick in Sweet Tart, £3.47

The most affordable lipstick out of the bunch, this lipstick is perfect if you're on a budget.  Sweet Tart is a lovely deep pink shade, it is a sheer lipstick but with some serious pigmentation, reminding me more of a balm than a lipstick because of its moisturising qualities! It really does melt into the lips.  The only downside to this lipstick is the wear time, I only got about an hour out of this lipstick before I had to apply the shade again, but for £3.47, I'm sure this is something we can overlook.  

Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Beso, £15

Last but not least, is the perfect red lipstick for the festive season.  Beso is a true red, and this creamy, full-coverage lip colour provides 6 hours of continuous wear.  Believe me when I say it doesn't budge! It's packed full of vitamin E and avocado oil, so it doesn't dry the lips like some other liquid lipsticks.  Stila have created one of the best liquid lipsticks out there.

What are your favourite autumn/winter lipsticks?

Lots of love,

Hayley x

Christmas Wishlist

1. Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium, Eau De Parfum

I am so ready for deep, wintertime perfumes and Black Opium is at the top of my list.  I was out doing some beauty shopping a little while ago and while browsing the YSL counter, I came across this little gem.  Yves Saint Laurent have created the perfect dark yet warm and spicy scent- with notes of coffee, vanilla, pink pepper and patchouli. I really hope a bottle of this is sitting under the tree on Christmas morning! 

2. Giorgio Armani Lip Maestro

I may be a little late jumping on the bandwagon with these, but as a lover of liquid lipstick, I'd love to get my hands on one of the Giorgio Armani Lip Maestro's!  These liquid lipsticks are supposed to dry to a matte finish without drying your lips, an ultra-comfortable velvet finish apparently.  My colour of choice is shade 500 Blush, a deep pinky-nude.

3. River Island Light Pink Oversized Coat

Over sized coats are a must this season, and I think this chic baby pink number from River Island is super cute.  With concealed front fastening and a faux fur collar, this is the perfect coat to stay warm yet stylish through the cold winter months and I hope I'm lucky enough to receive something a little like this, this Christmas! 

4. The Body Shop Body Sorbet

These Body Shop Body Sorbets sound like a dream, the sorbet texture is supposed to instantly melt into your skin leaving it super soft and moisturised but not greasy or oily.  I absolutely adore the Body Shop scents and having popped into The Body Shop recently, Strawberry and Mango are undoubtedly my favourite scents of Body Sorbet.

5. Mac Soft and Gentle Mineralize Skinfinish

Another product that I'm yet to try, is this Soft and Gentle highlighter from MAC so I'd love to receive this as a Christmas gift.  MAC describe the shade Soft & Gentle as a 'gilded peach bronze', perfect for so many skin tones.  Glowing skin is one of my make-up must haves, so hopefully I can get my hands on this highlighter soon...although waiting till Christmas for this is proving difficult! 

6. Kate Spade Purse/ Or any New Purse!

Seeing as my current purse is falling to pieces, I think a new purse might just be in order!  I love this Kate Spade one, although it is a little pricey.  The design is simple, but in my opinion, less is more.  The red shade is perfect for the winter season, the perfect Christmas accessory. 

7. Marc by Marc Jacobs Watch, Women's Baker Rose-Gold Tone

Its been a while since I've bought a watch, about a year or two I think! The Rose Gold tone is my favourite, and the white pearlized dial is so perfect.  This watch is quite pricey, retailing at £209.00 so by no means am I expecting this for Christmas!  Hopefully after Christmas, having worked for a little while, I might be able to treat myself.  A girl can dream right!

Whats on your Christmas wish list? I'd love to know!

Lots of love,

Hayley x

Battle of the Bronzers

As the summer months disappear and the cold, crisp winter days arrive we all start to lose that beloved, radiant summer tan.  However, with the help of these bronzers, mastering that gentle golden glow in the winter months isn't all that hard!

Illamasqua Powder Blush in Disobey

Officially, this shade isn't classed as a bronzer because Illamasqua have actually put it within their 'Powder Blusher' range…however, I think this is the perfect bronzing shade. It’s not too dark, not too light, not at all orange and the perfect "biscuit" shade for paler complexions.   Like most other Illamasqua products, Disobey comes in sleek black, glossy packaging.  Illamasqua say their Powder Blushers are "colour-intense and highly pigmented", and they are absolutely right about the pigmentation, a little goes a long way.  Disobey can definitely be used as a blush or bronzer and as it’s matte it’s also ideal for subtly contouring the face (I like to use a Real Techniques Multitask Brush), especially for fairer skin tones as it doesn't create that "muddy" effect some bronzers give, its also really finely milled so goes on effortlessly.

Verdict: A lovely multi-purpose bronzer, blush and contourer that is great for paler skin, I think it’s worth the splurge! 

Where to buy: Illamasqua Powder Blushers, £21.50 from www.illamasqua.com.

Benefit Hoola

Well isn't my beloved and much used Hoola looking a bit worse for wear! Benefits 'Hoola' is another completely matte bronzer, which is more of a true brown tone compared with Disobey, which is slightly lighter.  This bronzer still looks really natural on the skin and just gives an overall beautiful sun kissed look. When used for contouring, it creates a slightly darker look, but still gives a lovely effect. This is my go-to bronzer when I'm wearing a slightly heavier, evening look!  The application is easy, just like Disobey it’s pigmented yet still finely milled so looks flawless when applied correctly.  In terms of packaging, it comes in the typical Benefit box; it may not be the sturdiest of packaging (as you can see!), but its cute, right? 

Verdict: It has been the UK's No.1 Bronzer for the past 5 years because it’s suits a wide range of skin tones, so if you haven't already, I’d definitely recommend you give it a go! 

  

Where to buy: Benefit 'Hoola' retails for £23.50 from Benefit Stores, Counters and various Websites.  

Sleek Contour Kit in Light

Sleek are quickly becoming one of my favourite high street beauty brands as their products are completely affordable, and the quality of these are just as good as any 'high end' products. The Contour kit comes in three different shades Light, Medium and Dark. I use the light shade.  The packaging is simple, matte black and just the right size.  My favourite part of the packaging is actually the really handy mirror on the inside; this is perfect to throw in your handbag for any touch-ups on the go!  The two shades included are a matte brown for bronzing and contouring and an iridescent, champagne colour for highlighting. Both colours have great colour pay-off and blend out really nicely.  I would definitely compare the bronzer in this kit to ‘Hoola’ by Benefit; the little added bonus of a highlighter just adds a little something extra to this product too!  

Verdict: The Sleek Contour Kit is a lovely product that compares well with more expensive versions, so a complete bargain. If you're looking for a great contour kit that's affordable, this product is for you.

Where to buy: The Sleek Contour Kit retails for £6.49 from the Sleek Website, Boots and Superdrug. 

Have you tried any of these bronzers? Are there any bronzers you recommend?  Lots of love, Hayley x

The Perfect, All Round Cleanser | Lush Ultrabland

I bought the LUSH Ultrabland Facial Cleanser after a recommendation from one of the girls in the shop. When I first read up on the product it had mixed reviews, however, I'm always willing to give new products a go! I had been using Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish for years before I discovered this gem, and although I still love it, it’s taken a back seat for the moment. Lush Ultrabland is said to be the cleanser that Lush fanatics swear by, and I can see why! 

The packaging is pretty standard, the simple black lush tub.  The product itself is lovely, made primarily with beeswax and rose, it’s very much like a balm rather than a cream cleanser…almost like the much talked about Emma Hardie Cleansing Balm.  The cleanser also contains honey, which has amazing antiseptic qualities so helps to keep blemishes at bay! The only downfall is the smell, the product is made from beeswax, so obviously has a slight waxy smell, it’s not unbearable, it just doesn't smell lovely. 

I massage this product across my face in circular motions before taking it off with a damp, warm cloth; I like to use the muslin cloths from Liz Earle. A little goes a long way, as when you warm the product up in your hands it seems to multiply. It takes all my foundation off really well, although can leave some mascara, but we all know that mascara can be stubborn! So, I recommend using a separate eye make up remover. After cleansing I always sweep some toner – I like the Liz Earle Skin Tonic - over my face using a cotton pad, then follow with moisturiser. Since using this, my skin has never felt so soft, you almost 'glow' after using this cleanser. 

I really do love this product; it’s a staple cleanser for those who have sensitive skin, as the ingredients are all natural. In fact, I think this would work for any skin type.  Lush claims that if you use this everyday, you'll see improvements, as it bring the skin 'back into balance' and I couldn't agree more!

Verdict: It doesn’t smell great, but it’s a great price, ideal for sensitive skin and definitely worth a try! 

LUSH Ultrabland Facial Cleanser (RRP £6.95 45g/RRP £10.95 100g) is available from LUSH stores.

What are your holy grail cleansers?

Lots of love,

Hayley x